In the case of a plumbing piece malfunctioning or a pipe bursting, most of us scramble to get the problem resolved as soon as is possible. We are all too aware that the longer we leave a problem like this, the harder it could be to repair. Furthermore, the leak could cause hundreds or even thousands of dollars in damage to property and water usage fees. In such an event, we are under pressure to find a plumber to fix things right away, and may not give ourselves enough time to fully consider our options.

Take a deep breath and stop what you are doing. Things aren’t as bad as they seem.

The truth is you really do have time to make an informed decision about the best way to handle your plumbing problem. There are some simple, but effective preventive measures that you can take to safeguard yourself and your home against damage and loss. Knowing what to do and what to look for are key to getting the kind of service you’d expect from a repair professional.

The first and possibly most important step that you can take to minimize damage is to turn off the water supply at the source of the problem. If your problem is a busted pipe spewing water, you can turn off the water supply to the house by using the shut off valve provided by your water department. This valve is usually located somewhere in your yard, under a rectangular shaped lid that also contains your water meter. You will need a wrench to do this. If you have a more localized problem, such as a toilet or water heater that is leaking, you can turn off the water supply to these separately. A toilet shut off valve is usually an oval shaped handle, located near the base of the toilet. A water heater’s shut off valve is located next to the water pipes.

Once water in the problem area is off, finding a good plumber is the next thing on your list. Friends or family members may be able to provide some recommendations. An online search of local directories and review sites can turn up more possibilities. Ideally, you want to find a plumber with plenty of positive reviews. In most states, plumbers are required to serve an apprenticeship prior to getting their own license. Thus, years of experience may be greater than the number of years a plumber had his or her license. Some companies may advertise certain specialties which will help you narrow things down. After you’ve found a few different companies you like, call each of them for quotes on the repair you need. Be sure to ask about warranties on their work as well as satisfaction guarantees. Additionally, checking them out through the Better Business Bureau is always a good idea.

Many plumbers will charge extra for working on holidays or after hours. Some also will charge mileage or other fees in addition to hourly rates. Asking about all fees beforehand will prevent nasty surprises when you get the bill.

The next time the inevitable leak or plumbing problem occurs, you’ll already have the names of a few trusted repair professionals that you can call on before an emergency happens. A little foresight can go a long way in these matters. After all, you don’t want to trust your house to just anyone, especially when poor repair jobs are likely to cost even more money to fix later.